Toronto Raptors Waive Christian Koloko Amid Roster Adjustments
Christian Koloko, a 23-year-old second-round draft pick for the Toronto Raptors, has been waived as a casualty of the recent Pascal Siakam trade with the Indiana Pacers. The roster move was necessitated by Toronto’s acquisition of Bruce Brown Jr., Kira Lewis, and Jordan Nwora, resulting in an excess of players.
Waiver Following Siakam Trade:
- Christian Koloko was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night as part of the roster adjustments made following the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. The addition of three players in the trade created a roster surplus.
Ongoing Respiratory Issues:
- Koloko did not play in any games during the current season due to persistent respiratory issues that had been ongoing since before the Summer League. Although he had resumed practicing recently, there was no clear timeline for his return, and the team provided no update on his status.
Drafted in 2022:
- Christian Koloko, a 7-foot Cameroonian, was drafted 33rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Toronto Raptors acquired the draft pick from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Goran Dragic and a first-round pick that became Koloko.
Rookie Season Performance:
- In his rookie season with the Raptors in 2022-23, Koloko played in 53 games, starting 19. He averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds, showcasing his potential impact in the frontcourt. However, ongoing health issues prevented him from contributing this season.
Impact on Toronto’s Frontcourt:
- Koloko’s absence leaves Toronto with Jakob Poeltl as the starting center, provided he is healthy, and two-way center Jontay Porter as the team’s only traditional big men. The waiver of Koloko opens up roster flexibility for the Raptors.
Financial Implications:
- The decision to waive Koloko eliminates $2 million in non-guaranteed money set for the next year, providing financial flexibility for the Raptors.
Christian Koloko’s waiver is a consequence of the roster adjustments made by the Toronto Raptors following the Pascal Siakam trade. The move reflects the team’s focus on creating a balanced and effective roster, considering both player performance and financial considerations. Koloko’s ongoing health concerns contributed to the decision, leaving the Raptors with strategic choices for their frontcourt rotation.
